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Ocotillo Trail - Sonoran Preserve North - 28 members in 258 triplogs have rated this an average 2.9 ( 1 to 5 best )
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 13  Next
258 triplogs
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Mar 14 2025
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 Guides 41
 Routes 1,627
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,762

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Apache Wash, AZ 
Apache Wash, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 14 2025
The_EagleTriplogs 2,762
Hiking6.50 Miles 727 AEG
Hiking6.50 Miles   1 Hour   57 Mns   3.33 mph
727 ft AEG2 LBS Pack
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
After 8 days at Sea Level, I hit up this close by hike to get a few feet of AEG. There were about 700' more on this one hike, than 8 days in Fla. A cool 48 degrees to start, 52 to finish.
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Mar 02 2025
avatar

 Guides 21
 Routes 1,183
 Photos 36,909
 Triplogs 1,571

69 female
 Joined Feb 26 2004
 Phoenix, AZ
Ocotillo Ridgeback Sidewinder Loop, AZ 
Ocotillo Ridgeback Sidewinder Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Mar 02 2025
tibberTriplogs 1,571
Hiking4.45 Miles 496 AEG
Hiking4.45 Miles   1 Hour   22 Mns   3.30 mph
496 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
a nice clockwise lasso loop out on the Preserve today. Temp was delightful with a slight breeze. Trail is in good shape. I kicked off some rocks and cleared some branch debris. The climb up Ridgeback went well. Saw no one on the backside of the loop. Joe's Leprachaun snake spook scared the Irish right out of me; especially when I'm listening to a podcast and can't quite discern the sound initially.

Mother Nature had her paintbrush out; always enjoy that. Not many folks out hiking or biking. I probably saw more bikers. No lizards or anything.

WATCH: 4.37 mi, 2:29-3:51PM, 132 bpm/161 max (40% Zone 5 max, 39% Zone 4 anaerobic, 20% Zone 3 aerobic) burning 557 calories, 1686-2086 elevation. A lovely 73.3 with 24% humidity, gusts at 180mph from the south (I mean 18 mph).
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation None
:(
_____________________
For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled.
  1 archive
Jan 28 2025
avatar

 Guides 41
 Routes 1,627
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,762

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Apache Wash, AZ 
Apache Wash, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 28 2025
The_EagleTriplogs 2,762
Hiking7.27 Miles 935 AEG
Hiking7.27 Miles   2 Hrs   18 Mns   3.16 mph
935 ft AEG3 LBS Pack
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Wasn't motivated enough to drive any further, but had to take advantage of the perfect weather. A light crowd out, mixed MTB'ers and hikers. Some Fraleys to the west and northeast.

dry Bosco Tank Dry Dry
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Jan 09 2025
avatar

 Routes 70
 Photos 3,081
 Triplogs 601

70 male
 Joined Feb 10 2019
 Cave Creek, AZ
Sidewinder-Ocotillo Loop, AZ 
Sidewinder-Ocotillo Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 09 2025
LosDosSloFolksTriplogs 601
Hiking5.40 Miles 573 AEG
Hiking5.40 Miles   2 Hrs   23 Mns   2.42 mph
573 ft AEG      9 Mns Break6 LBS Pack
 
Partners none no partners
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
CW loop starting from the Desert Hills TH of the Sonoran Preserve North. Cool temps to start then the sun came out from behind the clouds and it got warm. On the western side of the loop one lone cloud blocked the sun and the wind really picked up. Jacket had to go back on along with the stampede string on my hat or it would have sailed away.

Saw only a handful of hikers and a few MTB's. These trails have loads of wildflowers in February-March [ photo ] [ photo ] , but if rain doesn't come soon that won't happen. :(
 Culture
 Culture [ checklist ]
[ checklist ]  Antenna Farm
_____________________
"If you wait, all that happens is you get older"
 
Jan 09 2025
avatar

 Guides 41
 Routes 1,627
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,762

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Apache Wash, AZ 
Apache Wash, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 09 2025
The_EagleTriplogs 2,762
Hiking8.63 Miles 1,431 AEG
Hiking8.63 Miles   2 Hrs   43 Mns   3.18 mph
1,431 ft AEG3 LBS Pack
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
I needed to get out and stretch my legs after resting some nagging problems. This always fits the bill as a smooth easy workout hike. I did a double up Ridgeback, for a little extra gain. Cool to start, then the wind started gusting and blowing around the desert.
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Jan 05 2025
avatar

 Guides 21
 Routes 1,183
 Photos 36,909
 Triplogs 1,571

69 female
 Joined Feb 26 2004
 Phoenix, AZ
Sidewinder-Apache Vista-Ridgeback, AZ 
Sidewinder-Apache Vista-Ridgeback, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 05 2025
tibberTriplogs 1,571
Hiking5.75 Miles 750 AEG
Hiking5.75 Miles   1 Hour   54 Mns   3.17 mph
750 ft AEG      5 Mns Break
 
no photosets
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Had only planned on doing hike to Ridgeback Jct and not do Apache Vista but ended up doing the whole loop counterclockwise. I feel rather out of hiking shape and don't seem motivated. I'm so far behind on all my videos from Europe (researching takes so much time - however, those mountains in the La Rioja of Spain near the Camino look like some great hiking with cool geology). This ended up being a decent hike as I set my goals small and surpassed each one; a good way to start the year; or I'm trying to make up for my KFC 3 piece extra crispy chicken box :lol:, along with a high calorie day a couple days ago.

Trail is in good shape, but needs to have more rocks kicked off of it. Lots of people and pups out and bike riders too. Temp was glorious though and even a nice breeze depending on which direction you were hiking. Air quality seemed better too. I tried a dry mouth lozenge to help with my throat sticking to itself; seems to help.

On the way home I stopped for a Pumpkin Spice Latte Iced Coffee :) at Quik Trip as I forgot to pack a beer.

WATCH 5.65 miles, 1.44-3:39PM, 135 bpm/165 max burning 791 calories, 1750-2152 elevation.
Temp was a delightfully sunny 64.3 and only 13% humidity.
_____________________
For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled.
 
Jan 04 2025
avatar

 Guides 41
 Routes 1,627
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,762

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Apache Wash, AZ 
Apache Wash, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Jan 04 2025
The_EagleTriplogs 2,762
Hiking5.23 Miles 735 AEG
Hiking5.23 Miles   1 Hour   31 Mns   3.49 mph
735 ft AEG      1 Min Break2 LBS Pack
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Pretty morning out there. Loads of hikers, walkers and MTB'ers.
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Dec 14 2024
avatar

 Guides 41
 Routes 1,627
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,762

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Apache Wash, AZ 
Apache Wash, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 14 2024
The_EagleTriplogs 2,762
Hiking7.23 Miles 931 AEG
Hiking7.23 Miles   2 Hrs   6 Mns   3.44 mph
931 ft AEG
 
Not as busy as expected for a Saturday. One horseback rider. A perfect cloudy and cool day.
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Dec 03 2024
avatar

 Routes 70
 Photos 3,081
 Triplogs 601

70 male
 Joined Feb 10 2019
 Cave Creek, AZ
Apache Wash, AZ 
Apache Wash, AZ
 
 Hiking avatar Dec 03 2024
LosDosSloFolksTriplogs 601
 Hiking5.75 Miles 798 AEG
 Hiking5.75 Miles
798 ft AEG6 LBS Pack
 
no photosets
1st trip
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Nice workout loop that I haven't done in quite a while. Warm day...I should have started sooner or waited for cooler temps.

I bit off a bit more than I should have for this rehab hike. Best to have thrown in the towel after the first climb but I was determined to finish what I started. Lumbar fusion has shortened my stride by 8cm and I could really tell on the uphill sections. They say some of it will return by the 6 or 7 month mark.

The trails were all in good shape except for the ones that weren't and those really aggravated my incision. The massive back brace they gave me would have helped but I opted to go w/o it today. Poor decision.
OK, enough whining. I'm happy to get out, just impatient to get back to "normal". :y:
Saw 4 hikers and half a dozen mountain bikers.
_____________________
"If you wait, all that happens is you get older"
 
Dec 02 2024
avatar

 Guides 41
 Routes 1,627
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,762

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Apache Wash, AZ 
Apache Wash, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Dec 02 2024
The_EagleTriplogs 2,762
Hiking7.24 Miles 893 AEG
Hiking7.24 Miles   2 Hrs   12 Mns   3.29 mph
893 ft AEG5 LBS Pack
 
A leg stretcher. No Tibber's or LosDoses spotted
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Nov 28 2024
avatar

 Guides 21
 Routes 1,183
 Photos 36,909
 Triplogs 1,571

69 female
 Joined Feb 26 2004
 Phoenix, AZ
Ocotillo - Ridgeback - Sidewinder, AZ 
Ocotillo - Ridgeback - Sidewinder, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 28 2024
tibberTriplogs 1,571
Hiking4.55 Miles 561 AEG
Hiking4.55 Miles   1 Hour   26 Mns   3.21 mph
561 ft AEG      1 Min Break
 
no photosets
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Since we have our Thanksgiving Picnic Potluck on Friday and the Cranberry Conserve is made, I got to hike today. It was beautiful out there. I saw about 1/2 dozen hikers and bike riders and a few dogs plus about two dozen quail. Also saw an aircraft flying north to south which seemed odd for out there. I feel like I'm getting my hiking legs back, so that's good. Realized on the way I had misnamed one of my Paris videos (so I have to re-record it), but soon forgot about that until near the end of the hike.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to my fellow HAZers. My fellow Camino Pilgrims exchanged greetings this morning via What's App so that was fun.

WATCH 4.37 miles, 1:33-2:58PM, 136 bpm/173 max, 596 calories, 1758-2211 elevation. Temp 69.8, sunny with some nice little cumulus in the distance, 37% humidity.
_____________________
For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled.
 
Nov 26 2024
avatar

 Guides 41
 Routes 1,627
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,762

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Apache Wash, AZ 
Apache Wash, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 26 2024
The_EagleTriplogs 2,762
Hiking7.41 Miles 903 AEG
Hiking7.41 Miles   3 Hrs   3 Mns   2.83 mph
903 ft AEG      26 Mns Break5 LBS Pack
 
It'd been more than 2 weeks since I'd done any sort of hiking. With some major lung funk going on, I hit this with a buddy, his kids, grand-kids. This worked out just fine with the length, AEG, speed and temps. Per usual, 2 to 1 MTB'ers to hikers. I'm ready to hit it again.
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Nov 16 2024
avatar

 Guides 59
 Routes 1,100
 Photos 1,191
 Triplogs 1,290

male
 Joined Jan 01 2023
 Arizona
Phoenix 7 Summit ChallengePhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Nov 16 2024
pseudalpineTriplogs 1,290
Hiking22.83 Miles 5,764 AEG
Hiking22.83 Miles   6 Hrs   37 Mns   3.45 mph
5,764 ft AEG
 
no photosets
1st trip
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Not too shabby of a hike completed three weeks post appendectomy. Well organized, fun romp but likely one and done for this circuit. I was happy to have Kriket along for company on summits 2, 4 & 7. Dreamy Draw start sixteenth of 104 finishers. 8:55:44 total time.
  8 archives
Nov 16 2024
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 Guides 2
 Routes 127
 Photos 1,478
 Triplogs 129

male
 Joined May 07 2019
 Tempe, AZ
Phoenix 7 Summit Challenge, AZ 
Phoenix 7 Summit Challenge, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Nov 16 2024
mikemcgTriplogs 129
Hiking22.76 Miles 5,528 AEG
Hiking22.76 Miles   8 Hrs   25 Mns   2.75 mph
5,528 ft AEG      8 Mns Break
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Phoenix 7 Summit Challenge (2nd time): Begin at 0500, and complete 7 hikes for a total of 22.8 miles with AEG of 5600 feet within 12 hours.

1) Sidewinder to Ridgeback Overlook (2.85 miles, 483 feet AEG, 44 minutes): Began at 0520. Many people had started at 0430, and a number of them were finishing as I was starting. Completely dark except for the headlamps. Flat for almost a mile, then a nice ascent to the peak, then back down. Nice warmup, fun.

2) Lookout Mountain Summit (2.89 miles, 640 feet AEG, 53 minutes): Flat / mediocre for the first mile, then more interesting after that as the slope increased. The last 200m consisted of light scrambling to reach the peak. This was fun.

3) VOAZ peak from Dreamy Draw Trailhead (3.14 miles, 537 feet AEG, 52 minutes): First 200m on concrete walkway. Some nice views of the surrounding peaks. The official route was not marked, and there were multiple forks, so there was occasional confusion about which way to go, but we figured it out. This felt a lot shorter than it was, and felt like we reached the "peak" quickly. This was fun too.

4) Piestewa Peak (2.33 miles, 1151 feet AEG, 84 minutes): Better than last year. Just kept climbing up, stopped at the top for about 5 minutes. My knees were feeling it on the way down. This area was supposed to be closed off for the event, and parking was no problem, but there were still many people on the trail.

5) Las Lomitas Trail to Ranger Summit (3.62 miles, 940 feet AEG, 74 minutes): Las Lomitas trail was boring. Ranger Trail became interesting with decent views after it crossed the road and began climbing. There were great views at the top. Made some new friends on this one.

6) Alta Trail (3.28 miles, 786 feet AEG, 72 minutes): The official starting point was not at the trailhead but further back on the road. This one had a number of switchbacks, and felt a LOT longer than it actually was. The views were decent.

7) Holbert Trail (4.65 miles, 991 feet AEG, 126 minutes): This one was fun, with good views along the way, some mini scrambling, and a lot of people (many of whom were doing the 4 or 5 summit challenge). Good vibes all around.

There was also a total of over 2 hours of driving between trailheads. The sky was overcast most of the day. Overall a fun day and a good challenge. Hamstrings were pretty sore at the end. Spent about 10 minutes at the festival afterward, enough to pick up our free food/drink, then head back home to the shower and hot tub.
  5 archives
Nov 10 2024
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 Guides 21
 Routes 1,183
 Photos 36,909
 Triplogs 1,571

69 female
 Joined Feb 26 2004
 Phoenix, AZ
Apache - Sidewinder - Badger, AZ 
Apache - Sidewinder - Badger, AZ
 
 Hiking avatar Nov 10 2024
tibberTriplogs 1,571
 Hiking4.21 Miles 240 AEG
 Hiking4.21 Miles   1 Hour   14 Mns   3.41 mph
240 ft AEG
 
no photosets
Still sick but wanted to get out and try and build up my hiking stamina. RS is not working properly for me. I'll have to play with that to see what the issue is as it worked fine in Europe.

A lovely afternoon, saw a coyote on the way in. It was just staring at something. Sad to say the saguaro at the TH is down and out :( . I was very fond of that one. Saw maybe a dozen hikers and 1/2 dozen bikers and a couple lizards. Trails were in good shape, looks like they did some brushing on the Sidewinder on the west side going up to meet Apache Vista. It was a tad warmer than I anticipated.

WATCH 3:25-4:40PM, 1747-1925 elevation, 135 avg bpm - 155 max, 80.5 sunny and 13% humidity
_____________________
For me, sometimes it's just as much about the journey as the destination.
Oh, and once in awhile, don't forget to look back at the trail you've traveled.
 
Oct 31 2024
avatar

 Guides 41
 Routes 1,627
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,762

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Apache Wash Loop, AZ 
Apache Wash Loop, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Oct 31 2024
The_EagleTriplogs 2,762
Hiking7.22 Miles 920 AEG
Hiking7.22 Miles   2 Hrs   9 Mns   3.36 mph
920 ft AEG
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
Took advantage of the cool morning.
A few hikers and bikers out.

A couple was getting a MTB lesson.
A group of 20+ Boomers being led on a hike.
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
  2 archives
Oct 24 2024
avatar

 Routes 189
 Photos 7,244
 Triplogs 1,742

57 male
 Joined Apr 25 2011
 Goodyear, AZ
Apache Wash Loop, AZ 
Apache Wash Loop, AZ
 
Mtn Biking avatar Oct 24 2024
NightstalkerTriplogs 1,742
Mtn Biking14.80 Miles 507 AEG
Mtn Biking14.80 Miles   2 Hrs   3 Mns   9.15 mph
507 ft AEG      26 Mns Break8 LBS Pack
 no routes
1st trip
Met up with my buddy Dan this morning for some riding out of Apache Wash trailhead. We made a counter clockwise loop starting on Badger Brawl to Cliff Walk, Esplanade, Apache Wash Loop (counter clockwise), and a bit of Ocotillo at the end. Saw some hikers and bikers and one woman on a horse (twice). First time for me on these trail and they were super fun. Would be great for newbie riders.
_____________________
 
Jun 06 2024
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 Guides 69
 Routes 37
 Photos 3,010
 Triplogs 2,387

55 male
 Joined Oct 24 2010
 Phoenix,Az
Ocotillo Trail - Sonoran Preserve NorthPhoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ
Hiking avatar Jun 06 2024
mt98dewTriplogs 2,387
Hiking5.06 Miles 431 AEG
Hiking5.06 Miles   1 Hour   39 Mns   3.07 mph
431 ft AEG
 no routesno photosets
Linked   none no linked trail guides
Partners none no partners
Early morning hike with my sister. Our plans changed slightly, so we cobbled a hike together involving the Ocotillo and Sidewinder Trails. Ended up going CCW on the Ocotillo and then taking and then taking the Sidewinder back where they junctured. Shorter than I would have liked, but my sister had places to be…. Nice hike, with good conversations. No wildlife. Encountered 8 other users.
_____________________
 
Apr 22 2024
avatar

 Guides 41
 Routes 1,627
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,762

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Apache Wash, AZ 
Apache Wash, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 22 2024
The_EagleTriplogs 2,762
Hiking6.44 Miles 820 AEG
Hiking6.44 Miles   1 Hour   54 Mns   3.39 mph
820 ft AEG2 LBS Pack
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX
7am start and the air was thick w/smoke. Probably the Range Fire, SE of the valley. It was either less noticeable or I was used to it at the finish.

Quite a few bikers and hikers out. Many starting in the 92 degree temps I finished in.
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
Apr 02 2024
avatar

 Guides 41
 Routes 1,627
 Photos 14,983
 Triplogs 2,762

69 male
 Joined Jan 20 2009
 Far NE Phoenix,
Apache Wash, AZ 
Apache Wash, AZ
 
Hiking avatar Apr 02 2024
The_EagleTriplogs 2,762
Hiking7.20 Miles 933 AEG
Hiking7.20 Miles   2 Hrs   6 Mns   3.43 mph
933 ft AEG2 LBS Pack
 
Route Scout Route Recorded  on Route Scout | Pop | Map | Popup | MapDEX

Just enough of a breeze to help cool you and to get the stinknet wafting through the air.

Brittlebush, Stinknet and Foxtail are the main players now. A few poppies, lupine, owl clover and scorpionweed are hanging on. A light crowd because of a late start.
wildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observationwildflower observation
Wildflowers Observation Light
_____________________
There is a very fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness."
Dave Barry 🦅
 
average hiking speed 2.67 mph
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ... 13  Next

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be responsible and prepare for the trip. Study the area you are entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.

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